Natural Products in the Fight Against HIV: A Review of Scientific Evidence
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus that can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), presents a significant global health challenge. A number of natural products have been investigated for their potential anti-HIV properties.
Green Tea and HIV
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), found in high concentrations in green tea, has demonstrated anti-HIV-1 activity in vitro1.
Turmeric and HIV
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has shown potential as an inhibitor of HIV replication2.
Pomegranate and HIV
Pomegranate fruit extract has demonstrated antiviral activity against HIV-1 in vitro3.
Neem Tree and HIV
The leaf extract of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) has been found to inhibit HIV-1 replication in vitro4.
Nigella Sativa and HIV
Thymoquinone, the active ingredient in Nigella sativa, also known as black seed or black cumin, has demonstrated potential antiviral effects against HIV in preliminary research5.
Garlic and HIV
Garlic has been studied for its potential antiviral properties, including against HIV. Some laboratory studies suggest that garlic extract may have HIV-1 inhibitory activity6.
Others
Euphorbia hirta
Euphorbia hirta, an herb native to many tropical and subtropical regions, is one of the plants showing potential anti-HIV activity. Research has shown that the plant's ethanolic extracts have antiretroviral effects. The compounds in the plant are believed to inhibit reverse transcriptase, an enzyme that HIV uses to replicate.
Phyllanthus niruri
Phyllanthus niruri, commonly known as stonebreaker or seed-under-leaf, is another plant investigated for its antiretroviral properties. Preliminary in vitro research has demonstrated its potential in inhibiting HIV replication by blocking reverse transcriptase and protease, two crucial enzymes involved in the HIV lifecycle.
Catha edulis (Khat)
The leaves of Catha edulis, commonly known as Khat, have shown potential anti-HIV activity. Studies indicate that Khat can inhibit the activity of HIV-1 protease, thereby preventing the virus from maturing and producing new virus particles.
Cyanobacteria
Marine cyanobacteria have been found to produce a variety of antiviral compounds. One such compound, known as cryptophycin, shows potent activity against HIV-1 by inhibiting the assembly of virus particles.
Red Algae
Red algae such as Gracilaria salicornia have shown promising results against HIV. The compounds in the algae appear to prevent the virus from binding to host cells, thereby inhibiting infection.
Lactobacillus
Certain species of Lactobacillus, commonly found in the human gut and vagina, have shown promise in inhibiting HIV transmission. They produce compounds that alter the environment, making it less favorable for HIV transmission.
Penicillium sp.
Certain species of the fungus Penicillium have been found to produce compounds with anti-HIV activity. These compounds, known as penicillic acid and patulin, have been shown to inhibit HIV integrase, an enzyme essential for viral replication.
Nigella Sativa
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References:
Nance CL, Shearer WT. Is green tea good for HIV-1 infection? Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2003;112(5):851-3. ↩
Prasad A, Pospisil P, Herschhorn A, Haim H, Su X, Roux KH, Diskin R, Schon A, Klein F, Bjorkman PJ, Sodroski J. Glycosylation and oligomeric state of envelope protein might influence HIV-1 virion capture by α4β7 integrin. Virology. 2017;508:199-212. ↩
Neurath AR, Strick N, Li YY, Debnath AK. Punica granatum (Pomegranate) juice provides an HIV-1 entry inhibitor and candidate topical microbicide. BMC Infectious Diseases. 2004;4:41. ↩
Udeinya IJ, Mbah AU, Chijioke CP, Shu EN. An antimalarial extract from neem leaves is antiretroviral. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2004;98(7):435-7. ↩
Onifade AA, Jewell AP, Adedeji WA. Nigella sativa concoction induced sustained seroreversion in HIV patient. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines. 2013;10(5):332-335. ↩
Tatarintsev AV, Vrzhets PV, Ershov DE, Shchegolev AA, Shashkov AS, Usov AI. The polysaccharides of garlic and their effect on the immune system. Allium sativum: chemical constituents, medicinal uses and health benefits. New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. 2016. p.77-114. ↩
